Picks for musical instruments with improved grip including with improved tone



May 16,1967 H. GALETZKY 3,319,505

PICKS FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED GRIP INCLUDING WITH IMPROVED TONE Filed July 7 1965 INVENTOR. HYMAN GALETZKY Y ATTURN .5.

with the fingers of the player.

United States Patent 3,319,505 PICKS FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IM- PROVED GRIP INCLUDING WITH IMPROVED TONE Hyman Galetzky, 3435 Olinville Ave., Apt. 2-C, l3. Hollowitz, Bronx, N.Y. 10467 Filed .Iuly 7, 1965, Ser. No. 470,103 4 Ciairns. (Cl. 84-322) tional plectrum or pick is that the pick must be grasped firmly between the thumb and index finger of the hand.

As a result, the firm grip upon the pick causes the pick to lose a substantial amount of its inherent flexibility. It becomes, accordingly, a relatively inflexible article, and therefore, when a string is plucked therewith, maximum vibration or resonance of the string is not achieved, due

to the fact that said vibration is damped to a certain extent bythe comparative rigidity of the portion of the 'pick that contacts the same.

In this connection, while a pick can be made of a thin,

highly flexible plastic or similar material, one cannot achieve desired flexibility of the plucking tip thereof merely by providing greater space between the extremity of said tip and the portion of the pick that is in contact This would cause the player to lose a certain amount of the control which .he has over the movements of the tip, due to the increased distance between the fingers and the tip. Therefore, such an arrangement would be undesirable for those having a high degree of proficiency in playing stringed instruments of the types referred to above. Often, the playing of a particular piece of music requires that a great number of strings be plucked in a very short space of time and obviously it is desire-d that maximum control over the movements of the tip be had.

Further, it has been found in connection with conventional plectrums or picks that the fingers tend to slip upon the smooth faces of the pick, so that a proper grip upon the pick is not always possible.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a plectrum or pick which will have the characteristic of insuring that a firm grip, without possibility of slippage, be had upon the pick, and second, of producing maximum vibration or resonance so far as the plucking tip and strings are concerned, without at the same time reducing in any way the full control over the pick so far as the player is concerned.

Another object is to provide a plectrum or pick which will have the above described characteristics while still being capable of manufacture at a cost which will be increased above that required for manufacture of a conventional plectrum to so small an extent as to be completely inconsequential, considering the benefits to be obtained from the use of the improved pick.

Another object is to provide a plectrum or pick that will be soshaped as to still permit the user to have full control thereover, so as not to lower his proficiency in playing the instrument in any way.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a plectrum or pick formed according to the present invention, having a single pluckmg tip,

FIG. 2 is a sectional view on line 2-2 of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a modified form in which the pick has angula'rly spaced plucking tips,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view on line 44 of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a second modification in which the number and shape of apertures arranged about a center opening having been changed as compared to the form of FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view on line 6-6 of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third modification in which the series of openings is arranged in a straight row retween the plucking tip and the finger-receiving aperure,

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a fourth modification in which the series of openings for increasing vibration is so designed that the openings also provide means for improving the grip upon the pick, and

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a fifth modification showing a plurality of straight rows of openings.

Referring to the drawings in detail, in the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pick includes a generally flat body 10 which may be formed of Celluloid, thermoplastic material, or any other suitable material having the desired qualities of resiliency and flexibility. As shown in FIG. 2, the pick may be gradually decreased in thickness in the direction of the plucking tip thereof. Alternatively, the pick may be of constant thickness through its entire length and width.

In any event, the body 10 of the pick includes a front edge 12 which is curved through substantially The body also includes a straight back edge 14, and connectirzg the back edge with the front edge are rounded corners 1 The plucking tip has been designated at 18 and in this form of the invention is relatively wide, although it could be reduced in width, pointed, or otherwise shaped. The plucking tip is disposed medially between the opposite ends of the 180 curvature of the front edge 12, projecting radially outwardly from said front edge. 7

A center opening 20 is formed in the pick, and is of circular shape in the illustrated embodiment. It is contemplated, however, that it could be square or in some other non-circular shape. The center opening in the illustrated example is struck about a center closer to the plucking tip 18 than is the center about which the front edge 12 curves.

An annular series of apertures 22 is formed in the body 12, said series being concentric with the center opening 20. The apertures 22 are substantially smaller in diameter than the opening 20, and the number and spacing of the apertures 22 may vary.

It is mainly important to note that the apertures 22 are spaced outwardly a substantial distance from the opening 20, While at the same time being spaced outwardly a correspondingly substantial distance from the periphery of the body 10. As a result, the marginal space defined between the series of apertures 22 and the periphery of the body 10 constitutes a tip-carrying portion 23, while the center space of the body circumscribed by the series of openings 22 constitutes a finger-contacting portion 25. The portion 23 is integral with the plucking tip 18, and it will be observed that said portion 23 is integrally connected with the portion 25, but the line along which the portions are connected, which line is defined by the annular series of the apertures 22, is interrupted at uniformly spaced intervals by unconnected areas defined by the individual apertures 22.

As a result, the marginal portion 23 has the adaptability for vibrating or resonating to an extent greater than the portion 25, which is firmly gripped between the fingers in a manner such that the vibratory characteristics thereof are damped to some degree.

The opening 20, of course, is adapted to receive the adjacent portions of the thumb and finger, so that the thumb and finger are pressed slightly into the opening 20 from opposite sides of the pick, and hence, beingengaged by the edge of the opening, are held against s'lippage in any direction upon the face of the pick.

In use of the pick, the same is gripped at its center, with the thumb and index finger grasping opposite faces of the portion 25 and engaging, as previously noted, in the opening 20. The thumb and finger are confined entirely within the circular line defined by the annual series of openings 22, and are free of contact with the marginal tip-supporting portion 23.

Therefore, when the string is plucked, the marginal portion 23 is adapted to vibrate or resonate to a greater degree than the center portion 25, thus pemitting a correspondingly increased vibration or resonance of the plucked string and reducing damping of said vibration of the string. This is achieved by the interrupted line of connection between portions 23, 25.

In FIGS. 3 and 4 there is shown a modified. construction, wherein the construction is identical to that of FIG. 1, with the exception that'there are two plucking tips 18, angularly spaced approximately ninety degrees apart and symmetrically arranged in respect to the backedge 14 and the center opening 20. In this form, the annular series of apertures 22 is arranged identically to the series of apertures 22 and the outer configuration of the pick remains unchanged as compared to the first form of the invention, with the exception, of course, of the-,previously noted use of two plucking tips 18, which'can be selectively employed by the musician.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, the body portion has been designated and has a front edge 12 curved about a center common to that of the finger-receiving center opening 20 and common also to the center of the annularseries'of apertures 22'. The edge 12 curves through substantially more than 180, and intersects directly with the ends of the straight back edge 14 which extends chordally of the are described by the edge 12 A single plucking tip 18 is illustrated, but a plurality of tips,-such as those shown in FIG. 3, can be used.

As previously noted, in this form of the invention the width of the marginal portion will remain constant at the sides and tip-carrying end of the pick, due to the fact that the edge 12?, the opening 20 and the annular series of apertures 22 all have a common center.

The finger-contacting portion has been designated .25 and is circularly shaped as in the first form. Intliisconnection, in this form of the invention the number ofapertures are thus spaced very closely apart, and as shown are of triangular shape, with theapices. of the triangles pointing inwardly to the previously mentioned center of the annular series of apertures. The base or outer edges of the triangular apertures curve, falling on a common circular path described about the previously mentioned center. The 'base edges of the apertures 22 are of suchia length that said arcuately shaped bases of the triangular apertures are closely spaced apartthrough the fullseries of apertures 22 As a result, the line of connection between the finger-contactin'g portion 25 and the marginal portion 23 is weakened to an extent even greater than-in the forms shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. This increases team even greater extent the vibration or resonance of the tip-carrying portion 23 relative to the finger-contacting portion 25'.

In FIG. 7 there is shown another modified form wherein the pick body has been designated 10. The body has a back edge 14 which is curved or rounded, and the side edges of thebody converge toward the tip 18. The

-ing relation to the several .body in this form has a front edge 12 which is cut off squarely in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal median of the tip 18, the sides of the tip being offset inwardly from the ends of the front edge 12 to a substantial degree. The tip in this form of the invention is of triangular, pointed shape, and the overall shape of the body may best be determined as being that of a truncated ovoid.

The finger-receiving opening has been designated 20 and is disposed adjacent the back edge 14. In the space between the finger-receiving opening and tip, there is formed a straight row or series of apertures 22 closely spaced apart over the full width of the body. As a result, the row of apertures defines at the tip-adjacent end of the 'body a tip-supporting portion 23, while at the other side of the row of apertures there is defined the finger-contacting portion 25. Again, the portions 23, 25 are separated from one another by a rowrof apertures, causing interruptions .in the line along which these portions are integrally connected -to each other so that there will be a greater vibration or resonance of the portion 23 as compared to the finger-gripped portion 25. The results achieved with the previous forms of the invention are again achievedin the form of FIG. 7 by reason of the illustrated construction.

In FIG. 8, the pick body has been shown at 10, and is of Wholly circular outer configuration, being formed with a radially, outwardly projecting tip 18 In this form of the invention, the annular ,series of apertures '22 is arranged about asolid center, with the individual apertures 22 being in the form of elongated, narrow, isosceles triangles. The triangles are closely spaced apart through the full series, with their apices terminating in closely spaced relation to each other and to the center of the body 10 Due to the arrangement illustrated, the entire center portion of the pick, circumscribed by the outer endsof base edges of the triangular apertures 22, is adaptedto provide a non-slip surface for the fingers, due to the edges of the several apertures 22 Thus, the centrally disposed, finger receiving'opening .20 iseliminated, and the same result is achieved by the projection of the apertures 22d inwardly toward the center of the pick, to. terminate in closely spaced relation to saidcenter.

At the same time, the-marginal portion 23 :of the pick is still adapted'to vibrate with far greaterresonance than is normally achieved, due to'the fact that-it isconnected to the finger-grippedcenter portion only by elongated narrow portions of the pick body occurring in alternatapertures 22 FIGURE9 shows another modifiedform of pick having a substantially rectangular shapedbody 10 with a radially, outwardly projecting'tip 18 at one end,.and an enlarged bulging portion 26. Between the ends of the-body, there are a plurality of straight rows of apertures 22 closely spaced apart over the 'full width of "the-body. At the enlarged portion 26 of the-body, the. number of apertures isincreased and at the end mounting the tip 18 the number of'apertures is reduced to one. "The results achieved with the previous forms of the invention areagainachieved in the form of 'FIG. 9by reasons of theJiIlustratedcOnstruction.

While I have illustrated and .descrtbed the now .preferred embodiments of my ,inventiomit is to be understood that I do not limit myself to theprecise constructions herein disclosed and that various changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the inventionas defined in the appended claims.

-Having thus described my invention, what I clairn as new, and desire'tosecure by United States Letters Patent porting portion, said body having a series of spaced apertures defining the line of connection between the portions, said apertures efiecting a reduction in the amount of the material of the body that connects the portions so as to permit greater flexibility of the tip-supporting portion as compared to the finger-contacting portion when the plectrurn is grasped by a user, said series lbeing annularly arranged on the body.

2. A plectrum for stringed musical instruments comprising a generally flat body including a plucking tip, a tip-supporting portion integral with the tip, and a fingercontacting portion integrally connected to the tip-supporting portion, said body having a series of spaced apertures defining the line of connection between the portions, said apertures effecting a reduction in the amount of the material of the body that connects the portions so as to permit greater flexibility of the tip-supporting portion as compared to the finger-contacting portion when the plectrum is grasped by a user, said series being annularly arranged on the body, the finger-contacting portion having a center opening the edge of which is adapted to engage the fingers grasping the plectrum to prevent slippage of said fingers upon the plectrum.

3. A plectrum for stringed musical instruments comprising a generally flat body including a plucking tip, a tip-supporting portion integral with the tip, and a fingercontacting portion integrally connected to the tip-supporting portion, said body having a series of spaced apertures defining the line of connection between the portions, said apertures eflfecting a reduction in the amount of the material of the body that connects the portions so as to permit greater flexibility of the tip-supporting portion as compared to the finger-contacting portion when the plectrum is grasped by a user, said series being annularly arranged on the body, the finger-contacting portion having a center opening the edge of which is adapted to engage the fingers grasping the plectrum to prevent slippage of said fingers upon the plectrum, said :body having a rounded front edge from which the tip projects, said rounded front edge curving about a center spaced a greater distance from the tip than the center of the annular series of apertures.

4. A plectrum for stringed musical instruments comprising a generally flat body including a plucking tip, a tip-supporting portion integral with the tip, and a fingercontacting portion integrally connected to the tip-supporting portion, said body having a series of spaced apertures defining the line of connection between the portions, said apertures effecting a reduction in the amount of the material of the body that connects the portions so as to permit greater flexibility of the tip-supporting portion as compared to the finger-contacting portion when the plectrum is grasped by a user, said series being annularly arranged on the body, the finger-contacting portion having a center opening the edge of which is adapted to engage the fingers grasping the plectrum to prevent slippage of said fingers upon the plectrum, said body having a rounded front edge from which the tip projects, said rounded front edge curv ing about a center spaced a greater distance from the tip than the center of the annular series of apertures, the center opening being concentric with the annular series of apertures.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,481,759 9/1949 Lawrence 84-322 2,484,820 10/1949 Galetzky 84322 3,112,668 12/1963 Moshay 84-322 FOREIGN PATENTS 466,451 7/1950 Canada.

RICHARD B. WILKINSON, Primary Examiner.

LEO SMILOW, Examiner.

CHARLES M. OVERBEY, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A PLECTRUM FOR STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISES A GENERALLY FLAT BODY INCLUDING A PLUCKING TIP, A TIPSUPPORTING PORTION INTEGRAL WITH THE TIP, AND A FINGERCONTACTING PORTION INTEGRALLY CONNECTED TO THE TIP-SUPPORTING PORTION, SAID BODY HAVING A SERIES OF SPACED APERTURES DEFINING THE LINE OF CONNECTION BETWEEN THE PORTIONS, SAID APERTURES EFFECTING A REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF THE MATERIAL OF THE BODY THAT CONNECTS THE PORTIONS SO AS TO PERMIT GREATER FLEXIBILITY OF THE TIP-SUPPORTING PORTION AS COMPARED TO THE FINGER-CONTACTING PORTION WHEN THE PLECTRUM IS GRASPED BY A USER, SAID SERIES BEING ANNULARLY ARRANGED ON THE BODY. 